Little-Known Public Pool Facts That Will Freak You Out

Public swimming pools are gross. They’re straight up nasty and we’re making no bones about how much the thought of frog splashing into a public pool makes us want to just throw up everywhere. Public pools have been the summer haven for children of all ages for many decades; they’re a place for latchkey kids, and the middle class alike, to cool off, catch some rays, and live the dream of a beatific summer dream of a Ray Bradbury tale. If you’re someone who believes in the democratic dream of the pubic pool, you may change your mind after reading this list of gross public pool facts.

Rashes, pink eye, diarrhea; if any of those things sound gross to you (and how could they not?!), then you better buck up, because 90% of the items on this list are disgusting with a capital GROSS. Despite the dream of halcyon summers spent cannon balling into city pools while sucking down red white and blue bomb pops, we’re pretty sure that public pools have always been hives of infestation for disease and danger. Even if you’re one of the lucky few who don’t contract a water born illness from opening your eyes under water, you could still drown, break your neck while diving, or at the very least, get body shamed out of the pool. Doesn’t that sound like a lovely summer afternoon?

If you’re brave enough to check out this list, vote on which swimming pool fact you think is the most gross and let us know in the comments about all the gross shenanigans you’ve seen go down at your local pool.

Photo: Unknown/Public Domain Pictures/Public DomainRecreational Water Illnesses(RWIs) are caused by germs that are spread by swallowing contaminated water present in swimming pools, hot tubs, water parks, lakes, and oceans. According to the CDC, there has been an increase in the number of RWI outbreaks in the past two decades.

Photo: South Park/Comedy CentralOne in five Americans admit to peeing in the pool, according to a survey conducted by the Water Quality and Health Council. But the faux pas goes beyond the average, recreational pool-goer. Nearly 100 percent of elite competitive swimmers are reported to pee in the pool - regularly.